Put On love

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity.
– Colossians 3:12-14


Paul paints a picture of intentional living—like getting dressed in the morning, we are to clothe ourselves with the virtues that reflect Christ. These aren’t just admirable traits; they are necessary garments for life together in the Body of Christ.

“Bear with one another.” Those words acknowledge that even within the family of faith, relationships will be trying. We will disagree. We will misunderstand. We will hurt and be hurt. But rather than walk away, we are called to bear with each other—not grudgingly, but with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

Forgiveness is the posture we are to carry, modeled after Christ’s own forgiveness of us. And love? Love is the belt that binds it all together—holding everything in place, unifying what would otherwise fall apart. This is not abstract theology. It’s a daily decision to relate to others, especially fellow believers, with grace instead of judgment, tenderness instead of frustration.


Questions

1. What spiritual “clothing” do you most need to put on today in your relationships with other believers?

2. Is there someone you need to bear with or forgive, even if you still disagree?

3. How can love serve as the binding force in your relationships this week?


Suggested Activity

Reflect on a time when someone extended grace or forgiveness to you in a moment of failure or difference. Then, extend that same grace to someone else today—perhaps through a kind message, a peaceful conversation, or simply by praying for them with compassion.


Prayer

Gracious God, 

You have called me holy and beloved—not because of anything I’ve done, but because of who You are. Help me to wear compassion and kindness like a robe, to walk humbly with others, and to show patience when it’s hard. Teach me to bear with those I do not understand, and to forgive as freely as You have forgiven me. May love hold all things together in my heart, and bind me to my brothers and sisters in Christ.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

-

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